52
Measuring a Low−Level Signal
Trace Averaging
Trace Averaging
Averaging is a digital process in which each trace point is averaged with the previous
average for the same trace point. Selecting averaging, when the analyzer is
autocoupled, changes the detection mode from normal to sample. Sample mode may
not measure a signal amplitude as accurately as normal mode, because it may not
find the true peak.
NOTE This is a trace processing function and is not the same as using the average detector
(as described on page 50).
Step Action Notes
1 Set up the signal generator. a. Set the frequency to 300 MHz.
b. Set the amplitude to −80 dBm.
2 Connect the source RF
OUTPUT to the analyzer
RF INPUT as shown.
3 Select the mode. • Press Mode, Spectrum Analyzer.
4 Preset the mode. • Press Mode Preset.
5 Set the center frequency,
span and reference level.
a. Press FREQ Channel, Center
Freq, 300, MHz.
b. Press SPAN X Scale, Span, 5,
MHz.
c. Press AMPTD Y Scale, Ref Level,
40, −dBm.